When a show starts with a 22-minute Jam > Bird Song, you know you’re in for a treat. At the same time, it’s not exactly a preview of things to come. Yes, they get far out a couple of times in this show, but other than the stretchy, meandering Bird Song, most of these tunes are fast-paced and assertive. There are exceptions, like the impeccable jam bridging Passenger into Built to Last (only a Phil band would think to segue those two numbers). But for the most part, things don’t get too spacey. They drive these songs with purpose. They rock out. Hell, the jam to open the second set is straight bluegrass. A lot of Quintet shows can get mightily cosmic, dramatic, and heavy. This one parachutes down from the cosmos in a Bird Song parachute, and once it hits the ground, it ties on the roller skates and just takes off.

Scarlet. Cold Rain and Snow. Tons of Steel. Casey Jones. Help > Slip! > The Golden Road. These guys were swinging out of their shoes at high-energy songs, and they were connecting sweetly. From a band famous for its majestic 3-hour marathon gigs piled high with ‘60s jam vehicles orbiting around the planets, this Scranton speedster is in contrast a bright, brisk ray of sunshine.

I have this one on CD for endless enjoyment. Another great pull from taper Tony Suraci! Thank you tapers.